Katie M. shares her love of running

Meet another runner who loves it--Katie M.

I {just}turn{ed} 27 and started running October of 2006. I have had asthma for as long as I can remember, and I never looked at myself as a runner…athletic, yes…runner, no! I used to make jokes that I only run when people are chasing me. I have a large bust and tried to use that as an excuse that it hurt my back to run. I was never seriously overweight, but was never skinny…a healthy size 12 since middle school. I tried to run in high school to get fit, but could not find the motivation to get me past the “I am going to die…really, my chest is closing and I have pain in my heart,” feeling. I played softball mostly (was a catcher) and worked through various knee injuries, like surgery, etc. that provided more excuses for me not to run.

I then started a program to learn how to eat better… I started to lose weight. I then ventured to the gym (knowing that you need both the right diet and exercise to get more fit) and thought maybe I will get on the treadmill and run until I can’t run any more. It helps that the gym had TVs in front of every treadmill! After 10 minutes, I was winded and sweaty…so I got off and lifted some weights…then the next time I was in the gym, I ran again…adding a little more time as a friend suggested. I started to lose more weight and became more fit…I could tell by the way my clothes fit, not the scale.

I started sleeping better at night and was generally more with it at work…I began to crave my runs. I finally understand what people mean by endorphins (I was convinced they were fabricated by the running industry.) I still (try to) run between 20-30 minutes five-times a week. I learned that I am not a distance runner and that I don’t have to be. It is hard to keep up the routine and I still go looking for my excuses when my boyfriend says, “why don’t you go for a run, it will make you feel better!” But, when I do remember the feeling and get back on the treadmill, I feel like I am back to normal…and I just keep telling myself that it is the old me that is chasing me, so keep running!

Katie M.

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